An Intro to the Contextually Aware Networking Blog Series

Published by Shaun Neal

December 15th, 2014

This blog series has been the impetus for me to get back into blogging and sharing my thoughts openly with the world. This topic of contextually aware networks is one that I have been discussing with my inner circle of techie friends for quite some time and it is finally getting to a place where it is relevant for us a technologists and consumers and for our customers. I hope to foster some of the same excitement that I share in those who are new to the space and elicit some good discussion from my colleagues, partners and customers out there. The first three parts will be building blocks for a final post that pulls the it all together.

What is a Contextually Aware Network?

A contextually aware network is one that is capable of delivering the right messages to the appropriate people based upon user defined preferences and do so at the right time and place. To accomplish this the system must be able to determine what is relevant to the user through opt-ins, installed Smartphone applications, etc. It is important to understand that for now, the Smartphone is a required ingredient of this solution as it is something that is personal to each of us. With time it is inevitable that there will be further integration with wearables that may offer further context and interaction.

Contextually Aware Network Scenario

You have booked a vacation at a tropical resort with your favorite people and are headed out to the airport. At the prompting of the hotel you have gone ahead and installed their application on your phone, enabling it to be your personal concierge for your trip. Upon arrival in this city your resort's app on your phone wakes up and pops up a message "Welcome to ______, John/Jane Doe. Please meet your shuttle outside the Terminal 1 baggage claim." After a ride to the hotel, you walk in and are prompted by your phone again "Welcome to Hotel _______. Would you like to use our e-check in?" Upon selecting yes, your phone checks you in based on your ID and credit card information on file with the hotel. The app then prompts you "You are in Room 135, can I get you directions?" Selecting yes here will provide you with turn-by-turn directions to your room from your current location. Your phone also notifies you that hotel management has installed smart locks in all of its rooms and the phone can be your room key if so desired. Upon entering your room, the phone is able to ask if everything meets your standards and allows for immediate delivery of anything that is missing or desired. Throughout the stay, your phone is able to notify you of anything you are interested in such as happy hours, shows, gym hours, etc. Down at the swimming pool, you are able to relax knowing that your valuables and cash are locked up in the hotel room safe and that your app can be used for checking out towels and paying for beverages or cabana rentals. Out on the golf course, you and your friends are able to order snacks and beverages from your Smartphones and have it delivered to you on the next tee. The shopping area notifies you of a free appetizer at dinner with a purchase from one of the stores. Upon checkout your receipt and bill summary can be delivered via app and a link to review your stay may be provided to you.

This blog series will explore how the systems supporting this scenario are built at a very high level and shed some light on some of the key components that make a context aware network tick.

Technical blog sharing my thoughts on the state of the industry, especially as it pertains to location-enabling wireless, security and the Internet of Things. Posts and opinions here are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.